Commentary: ‘Transformers One’ Has A Very Spiritual Message For Humanity

The great thing about science fiction: no matter how wild of a story is being told, it can always serve as an allegory for humanity. Transformers is undoubtedly a science fiction franchise. It involves large robot aliens who can transform into vehicles, and yet Transformers One manages to tell a very human story with these seeming inhuman creatures. It also concocts a strong and telling mythology with a deep thematic message that humans of all stripes can take spiritual meaning from.

The film is about two low level miners named Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry). In an effort to help their planet, Cybertron, the two embark on a journey well beyond their social class. They hope to discover the means to return an infinite source of energy to the planet. But the true allegorical elements come from the backstory, which details how all beings on Cybertron were derived from the same energy source that flows through all of their bodies.

There’s a clear dividing line in the film between those who can transform and those who can’t. This creates a stark class structure which serves as a defining characteristic of its main characters. However, even though this mechanical planet is structured with robotic aliens, these social classes can be viewed as mirrors for humanity’s own stratification. In the end, those qualifications are completely fabricated as there’s no difference between those who can transform and those who can’t. The same energy flows through all of their bodies, highlighting the fact that all humans are the same inside despite their outward differences. It’s a true message of spirituality that can be used to unite a planet regardless if it’s Cybertron or Earth.

Transformers One is now streaming on Paramount+.